Mark: we can do better

Under-18s manager Mark Robinson had mixed emotions after last night’s emphatic FA Youth Cup win against Woking as he felt his side over-elaborated on the ball at times.

Speaking during a post-match Dons Player interview after the 4-0 win, Mark (pictured right above with Neil Cox), said: “We started well and when we got the two early goals I thought it could be a night when we really turned it on and showed people the level we are capable of. If I am honest, I thought we became over-indulgent. Players started doing things that were not realistic and taking liberties. There were moments from us, but I thought it could have been better. I was not too happy at half-time, despite us playing some good football.

“At the start of the second half we did the things I had asked of them. The fourth goal summed up how we have to play. It was one, two, three touch football and moving the ball nice and quick. Neal Ardley came in and had a chat with them and reiterated what I am always telling them; they will impress people if they play as a team.

“If they move the ball quickly it will impress more because they will make better decisions. We were a club in the Conference not too long ago and we played in the FA Youth Cup and did well against league sides. No disrespect to Woking, but I felt there was a gap. There are things we need to work on.”

When asked by WDON commentator Rob Cornell about the performance of speedy winger Toyosi Olusanya, Mark talked enthusiastically about the potential of a player who only signed for Wimbledon earlier this year.

“We lost Jayden Antwi to injury on Saturday and he is a big player for us so that gave Toyosi his opportunity,” added Mark. “He only came in this year after we picked him up from a private academy, along with David Omperon. Toyosi is quick and we are doing a lot of work with him to try and make him understand the game and utilise his pace.

“He has come up from a level where I am sure he was able to go past three or four players all the time, but I keep telling him that’s not real life. We want him to express himself, but we are trying to get him to beat his man, play, and go again. Toyosi has to recognise when to use his pace. He is unbelievably quick and if we can get an end-product from him he has a lot of potential.”

The Under-18s have another big knockout game this Saturday when they host Swindon in the Football League Youth Alliance Cup.

An interview with Mark Robinson and Neset Bellikli is now on Dons Player.